The signs of spring…robins building their nests, Royals spring training and the 2012 Greater Kansas City International Auto Show. It’s your one chance this year to see hundreds of new vehicles all under one roof at Bartle Hall. Show hours are 5 p.m.to 10 p.m. on March 7; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. March 8, 9 and 10; and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on March 11.
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Special Attractions include:
Camp Jeep – Camp Jeep is the ultimate indoor off-road driving test. The 22,000-square foot exhibit will give attendees a chance to experience the extreme off-road capabilities of Jeep vehicles without leaving the show floor. A professional driver will take you on a thrilling 14 ft, 35 degree hill climb and a track that includes a section of simulated fallen log terrain and a 30-degree wedge. Each ride is about 5 minutes long.
Royals Baseball – Celebrate another sign of Spring…Royals baseball. Meet some of your favorite Royals players from the past and learn more about the history of our hometown team. Attractions include:
•Autograph Signings- Meet and greet Royals and other major league legends from the past and present. Autograph sessions are as follows:
Willie Wilson – 5 p.m. on 3/7, 3/8, 3/9; 1 p.m. on 3/10; and at 11 a.m. on 3/11.
Jeff Montgomery – 7 P.m. 3/7 and 3/8; and 9 p.m. on 3/9.
John Mayberry – 9 p.m. on 3/7, 7 p.m. on 3/9; and 5 p.m. on 3/10
Brian McRae – 9 p.m. on 3/8; 3 p.m. on 3/10; and 1 p.m. on 3/11
•Major League Baseball All-Star FanFest Ticket Purchase – Baseball fans; don’t miss out on any of the 2012 MLB All-Star Events. Tickets to the MLB All-Star FanFest and the XM All-Star Futures Game will be available for purchase at the Auto Show. Purchase a Royals Season Ticket Plan to guarantee your seat to the All Star Game and catch all the exciting match-ups from Opening Day, the Cardinals, Yankees and more.
•World’s Largest Baseball – Come take a photo with the World’s Largest Baseball signed by Ted Williams, Hank Aaron, Derek Jeter, Yogi Berra, Willie Mays and others.
•Royals Hall of Fame Exhibit – Relive great moments in Royals history. The 1985 World Series trophy and other artifacts and photographs from Royals past and present will be on display. Negro Leagues Baseball Exhibit – Learn about the incredible history of the Negro Leagues, and pay tribute to some of the game’s finest and most noble players from the league including the great Jackie Robinson.
Ride and Drives – Experience how your favorite vehicles perform on the road at four Ride and Drives.
•GM – Don’t miss your chance to Experience the Drive of select Chevy, Buick and GMC vehicles. Test Drive Chevy vehicles Camaro, Cruze, Malibu, Equinox, Traverse, Silverado, Volt and Sonic; Buick Regal, LaCrosse, Enclave and Verano; and GMC Terrain, Acadia and Sierra. Operating hours are from 10 A.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
•Kia – Experience the New Standard and get behind the wheel of Kia’s diverse line of stylish and fuel-efficient vehicles. Test drive the 2012 Kia Soul, Optima SX, Optima Hybrid and Rio 5 door from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
•Chrysler – The Chrysler Drive is your chance to drive and evaluate the latest model from Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge, Ram and FIAT It’s a no-pressure, no-hassle opportunity Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m.-5 P.m.. Vehicles include: Chrysler 200, 3000 and Town & Country; Jeep Compass, Grand Cherokee and Wrangler; Dodge Challenger, Charger, Durango and Journey; Ram 1500; and Fiat 500.
•Subaru – Test drives are available Friday and Saturday 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.-3:30 P.m..
Army Strong then and now- Want to get a first hand look into what its like to be soldier? Visit interactive exhibits like the Special Operations semi where you can test your ability to maneuver a parachute; drive through hostile Baghdad streets in a virtual reality experience;and try out a flight simulator. Test your fitness level at the pull-up bars, rock walls and pushup challenge and have personalized dog tags made for free. Check out a display of Army vehicles including a Hemtt wrecker and a vintage military motorcycle.
Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children ages eight through 12, and free admission for children seven and under. $1 discount coupons, good toward an adult admission any day, are available at area automobile dealers affiliated with the Automobile Dealers Association of Greater Kansas City and at kcautoshow.com. Or use your Price Chopper Rewards card at the box office for $1 off each adult admission. Bring your college basketball tournament ticket to the box office and get $2 off an adult admission.
The 2012 Greater Kansas City International Auto Show is produced by Larry Carl on behalf of the Automobile Dealers Association of Greater Kansas City. Bruce McWilliams, managing partner of Lee’s Summit Honda and Lee’s Summit Subaru, is the 2012 Auto Show Chairman.